Wonder why you just HAVE to have that jar of pickles?
Pregnant women are known to crave out-of-the ordinary foods; sometimes even snacks that they don’t necessarily like otherwise. So why is it that expecting mothers often get these flavor-fueled desires? Doctors and researchers still aren’t completely sure, but they have a few theories. What might cause these outlandish, delicious, and (sometimes) strange culinary creations? Hmmm…
Pregnancy cravings: who’s the culprit?
First off, it’s important to separate regular cravings from pregnancy cravings. Since an expecting mother isn’t just feeding herself, but her unborn child as well, it’s only natural that she’ll be eating for two! If a woman regularly craves salty foods like nuts or chips, or sweets like chocolate chip cookies, these cravings may be increased as her metabolism (and metabolic needs) heighten throughout gestation.
However, we all know that pregnancy cravings aren’t just limited to cookies and ice cream; and things start to get really interesting when mommies-to-be lust after strange snacks or exotic combinations. Some attribute the peculiar yearnings to hormonal changes. Others think that women are simply filling the unmet vitamin or mineral needs that have been altered as their bodies change.
Which hormones are involved?
Scientists suspect that a host of hormones play a role in the cause of these appetite frenzies. Leptin is one of the major hormones that changes during pregnancy; and reductions of the molecule’s presence are thought to increase appetite. Neuropeptide Y, a powerful hunger stimulant manufactured in the brain’s hypothalamus, is another chemical that may increase dramatically during gestation.
When do pregnancy cravings occur?
Most pregnancy cravings begin in the first trimester, peak in the second, and generally subside in the weeks leading up to childbirth. However, every woman is different, so these windows may vary significantly with individual cases.
How do cultural factors affect pregnancy cravings?
Research shows that the types of foods wanted vary greatly depending on a woman’s cultural background and geographic location. Women in Tanzania commonly crave things like meat, yogurt, and mangoes while mommies-to-be in America turn to things like chocolate, sweets, and dairy.
What other phenomenon may cause pregnancy cravings?
As pregnant women often have differences in their regular senses of taste and smell, some believe that their cravings are a mechanism for counteracting these sensory differences. Others side with the notion that physical changes to the brain itself, particularly a somewhat mysterious area of the brain called the insular cortex, are to blame. However, like most of the theories, this is only a hypothesis and hasn’t yet been heavily researched.
Whether you’re pregnant and craving pickles, or your pregnant friend or family member simply can’t get enough Cheetos, rest assured that these tendencies are a natural (and sometimes healthy) part of the prenatal process. As long as pregnant women eat a healthy, balanced diet most of the time, and abstain from drug and alcohol use, it’s completely fine to indulge in some odd (or crazy) cravings. It might even be providing them with essential nutrients for their unborn child!
Want to know more about all of the lovely quirks that come along the way during pregnancy? Register for my next childbirth education course! I offer in-person group classes, interactive online classes, and private lessons. Get in touch with me today to find our more.
